Sebastian Nothwell Libri

The bond between Shrike, the fae Butcher of Blackthorn, and Wren Lofthouse, a mortal Victorian clerk, drives a series of enchanting adventures. This collection weaves together fantastical tales that explore their love and destiny, alongside the stories of their friends. Set against the backdrop of the Oak King Holly King narrative, the tales delve into themes of magic, romance, and the intertwining of mortal and fae lives, offering readers a rich tapestry of imagination and emotion.

The story follows Shrike, a renowned fae warrior known as the Butcher of Blackthorn, who becomes the Oak King after winning a tournament. This title comes with a grim fate, as he is expected to die in a ritual duel to usher in the change of seasons. Defying this destiny, Shrike seeks to survive, leading him to entrust his heart and life to a mortal, setting the stage for a gripping tale of sacrifice and determination.

Lindsey Althorp, the only son of a wealthy baronet, has never worked a day in his life. Aubrey Warren was born in a workhouse and hasn't stopped working since.When Lindsey wins a textile mill in a game of cards, he falls at first sight for the assistant clerk, Aubrey. Lindsey is certain that Aubrey is the Achilles to his Patroclus, the David to his Jonathan. Yet Aubrey, unaccustomed to affection, refuses to be a kept man-though he isn't immune to Lindsey's considerable charm.Buoyed by Lindsey's optimism and fuelled by Aubrey's industry, the two men strive to overcome the class gulf between them. But a horrific accident reveals a betrayal that threatens to tear them apart forever.

England, 1892. Sir Lindsey Althorp, spectacularly wealthy baronet, has sat in the saddle since the day he was breeched. Aubrey Warren, threadbare telegraph boy turned engineer, has never ridden a horse in his life and had no intention of starting-until now. When a portrait-painting holiday in the country provides an opportunity for riding, Lindsey is eager to teach Aubrey the ropes. Aubrey works to overcome his well-founded caution regarding large beasts of burden. Harder to dispel are his insecurities about his scarred body in the wake of the Rook Mill boiler explosion-particularly as these scars are put on display to model for the painting Icarus Fallen. As the painting progresses, so do the riding lessons, until a potentially deadly accident may put a stop to both for good. - An equestrian-themed sequel to Mr Warren's Profession by Sebastian Nothwell.

Fiore, a low-born courtesan in Halcyon, devises a cunning plan to secure her future by charming a wealthy elderly gentleman and ensuring his affection until his death. Her goal is to inherit his fortune, representing the ultimate escape from her current life. This plot highlights themes of ambition, survival, and the lengths one will go to achieve a better life in a society that offers limited options for women like her.